Unique in its structure, CICS contracts with educational management organizations (EMO) to operate its campuses. The CICS Ralph Ellison Campus is operated by Civitas Schools, a non-profit EMO that began in 2004. Civitas is a Latin word meaning “citizenship.” That name was chosen to reflect the organization’s vision to operate charter schools that produce student achievement and promote civic responsibility. With the Civitas Schools management staff focused on strategic planning, curriculum development, budgets, technology infrastructure, fund development, and personnel matters, CICS Ellison leadership can focus on the instructional supervision of the students and program.